slow 1 of 3

Definition of slownext
1
2
as in dumb
not having or showing an ability to absorb ideas readily we love our bulldog though he's a little slower than our German shepherd

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

3
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as in boring
causing weariness, restlessness, or lack of interest the first half of the movie is slow, but then it gets exciting

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

slow

2 of 3

verb

slow

3 of 3

adverb

Synonym Chooser

How is the word slow distinct from other similar verbs?

Some common synonyms of slow are delay, detain, retard, and slacken. While all these words mean "to cause to be late or behind in movement or progress," slow and slacken also imply a reduction of speed, slow often suggesting deliberate intention.

medication slowed the patient's heart rate

In what contexts can delay take the place of slow?

In some situations, the words delay and slow are roughly equivalent. However, delay implies a holding back, usually by interference, from completion or arrival.

bad weather delayed our arrival

When would detain be a good substitute for slow?

The meanings of detain and slow largely overlap; however, detain implies a holding back beyond a reasonable or appointed time.

unexpected business had detained her

Where would retard be a reasonable alternative to slow?

While in some cases nearly identical to slow, retard suggests reduction of speed without actual stopping.

language barriers retarded their progress

When can slacken be used instead of slow?

The synonyms slacken and slow are sometimes interchangeable, but slacken suggests an easing up or relaxing of power or effort.

on hot days runners slacken their pace

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of slow
Adjective
The chefs are running super-behind, so service is slow. Jen Chaney, Vulture, 26 June 2026 The diversification benefit that justified the allocation was always partly an effect of slow measurement, and measurement is what is improving. Dara-Abasi Ita, Forbes.com, 26 June 2026
Verb
All-Star’s rebound A pair of hamstring injuries in spring training had Kyle Stowers slow out of the gates in 2026 after being an All-Star and Gold Glove finalist in 2025. Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 25 June 2026 The rollout has been slowed somewhat by the process of onboarding local dealerships, which remain the sellers of record. Robert Channick, Chicago Tribune, 25 June 2026
Adverb
For this very reason, Forme recommends starting slow — wearing its Power Bra only several hours a day to begin and then incorporating it into your routine on a more consistent basis, for longer stretches of time. Stacia Datskovska, Footwear News, 25 June 2026 Shim and O’Farrill build the tension through an exchange of solos that tug the tempo quicker here, slower there. Rae-Aila Crumble, Pitchfork, 25 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for slow
Recent Examples of Synonyms for slow
Adjective
  • That was when the lensman captured the social set at their leisurely and often strikingly dressed best.
    Rosemary Feitelberg, Footwear News, 26 June 2026
  • Perhaps the biggest problem with this movie is that Supergirl (Helen Slater) seems terribly leisurely about her fateful mission.
    Arthur Knight, HollywoodReporter, 25 June 2026
Adjective
  • Though Cady has made some gestures toward helping the Bowdens, like his behind-the-scenes effort to get one of Anna’s death-row clients exonerated last week, Tom and Anna should not be so dumb as to ignore his ulterior motives.
    Scott Tobias, Vulture, 26 June 2026
  • The entire plot to get to the bones seems incredibly dumb.
    Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 26 June 2026
Adjective
  • Summer is a sleepy season for new cookbooks.
    Scott Hocker, TheWeek, 25 June 2026
  • On paper, New York State Comptroller is a sleepy job.
    Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 22 June 2026
Adjective
  • Sustainable growth feels boring from the inside.
    Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 26 June 2026
  • The point is to make the boring stuff feel like a hangout, not to build a productivity system.
    Hanna Wickes, Miami Herald, 26 June 2026
Verb
  • Drivers need to brake firmly and stay in the lane instead of swerving.
    Brian Sherrod, CBS News, 22 June 2026
  • The braking system follows the same philosophy, with a dual-piston floating caliper and disc up front, and a 220-mm rear disc paired with a single-piston caliper.
    Utkarsh Sood June 20, New Atlas, 20 June 2026
Adverb
  • Results arrive slowly, so patience matters more than most people expect.
    Malana VanTyler, Miami Herald, 24 June 2026
  • Production will need to be restarted – slowly, over several weeks – to ensure crude reservoirs don’t collapse, requiring re-drilling and substantial repairs.
    David Goldman, CNN Money, 24 June 2026
Adjective
  • Canada was sluggish until the desperation kicked in.
    Marlene Lenthang, NBC news, 25 June 2026
  • Merz's coalition of center-right and center-left parties took office just over a year ago with pledges to reform and turn around Germany's sluggish economy, Europe's biggest.
    ABC News, ABC News, 23 June 2026
Adjective
  • But even the most perfect Constitution can be undone by the wicked with the help of the bought, the stupid, and the cowardly.
    Ann Manov, Harpers Magazine, 23 June 2026
  • White can believe Hokit said something stupid and still believe fighters should be allowed to speak for themselves.
    Dan Zaksheske OutKick, FOXNews.com, 23 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Slow.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/slow. Accessed 29 Jun. 2026.

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